A Wigan school is turning green to raise awareness for a local boy's rare condition

The staff and pupils at a Wigan school are “going green” to raise awareness for a condition that is currently incurable and that affects a local boy.

Myotonic Dystrophy is a progressive and inherited neuromuscular condition affecting around one in 2,100 people. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, the symptoms can range from mild muscle stiffness (myotonia) and pain to life-threatening heart and respiratory failure.

Toby Cartwright was diagnosed with congenital myotonic dystrophy (CDM) type one just three weeks after he was born and while he was still on the neonatal unit.

A few months later, his mum Becky, 30, was informed that she had the same condition, which affects the skeletal muscles and other bodily functions including the heart, lungs and gastrointestinal system.

Since then, the family have been raising money for Cure Myotonic Dystrophy UK Charity who provide high level support for other families and people with CDM through their campaign, Together for Toby.

On September 15, the CureDM charity are running the Be Seen Being Green campaign and competition, inviting people to dress and sport the colour green for the day.

As a result, St Andrew’s CE Primary School in Springrfield will be wearing green to show support for Toby and the charity.

Additionally, there is a £50 Amazon voucher as a prize for the most eye-catching participant, who will be awarded the title of CureDM’s UK Awareness Day Champion 2026.

The competition is brand new and open to anyone based in the UK, who is “Seen Green.” The aim is to get people noticing and tongues wagging to spark a conversation about Myotonic Dystrophy.

CureDM’s mission for this campaign is to raise awareness for the condition to improve care for those affected and get closer to a potential cure.

Over the past five years, landmarks across the country lit green on September 15 in recognition of Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day, and once again councils and sites in Leeds, Bradford, Hull and more will be glowing in support of the cause.

St Andrew’s are also hoping to kick-start the London Marathon journey with two of their teachers, Mr and Mrs Hoban, who are running to raise awareness and funds for Together for Toby campaign.

Mr and Mrs Hoban explain their own reasons for supporting the campaign: “Toby is a friend of our grandson, Isaac, and we met when they did the Wigan Family Mile together. When we met Toby, and his wonderful family, we knew we wanted to become a part of Team Toby.

“Toby’s mum has Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) and her son, Toby, has the most severe congenital form (CDM). Toby is an inspirational little boy whose contagious smile won us over instantly and we knew that our wonderful St Andrew’s family would want to join Team Toby too!”

To take part in the competition and be in with a chance of winning a prize, take a photo or video with evidence of yourself being ‘seen green’ and upload it to the QR code found on CureDM’s website, on September 15.

Full details can be found on the CureDM webpage www.curedm.co.uk